By Kavita Sharma
Photo Credit: The Suncity News
Patna, May 30, 2026: In a significant move aimed at bringing uniformity and discipline across the state, the Governor’s secretariat has directed all Vice-Chancellors of Bihar’s universities to implement a common academic calendar for undergraduate courses.
The initiative is intended to ensure the effective implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and streamline academic activities across universities.
According to the order issued by the Governor’s secretariat, universities must strictly adhere to the prescribed academic calendar so that teaching, examinations, evaluation, and publication of results are conducted in a timely and coordinated manner.
A deviation of up to seven days will be permissible only under exceptional circumstances.
The directive emphasizes that all universities must comply with the uniform to maintain consistency among institutions and align their academic schedules with those of central universities and other higher education institutions across the country.
The move is also expected to facilitate the effective implementation of the Multiple Entry and Multiple Exit system envisaged under NEP 2020, providing students with greater academic flexibility, mobility, and improved educational opportunities.
The Governor’s Secretariat announced the academic calendar for the odd semester (Semester 1: July—December):
For first-semester students, the admission and registration process will commence on May 1 and conclude on June 30. Classes will begin on July 1. Mid-semester examinations will be conducted from September 11 to September 16, while admit cards will be issued on November 20.
Classes will conclude on November 20, followed by practical examinations from November 20 to November 26.
End-of-semester theory examinations will be held from November 27 to December 16, and results will be declared on January 10.
Academic Calendar for Semesters 3, 5, and 7:
Admission for students entering Semester 3, 5, and 7 will take place between June 20 and June 30, with classes commencing on July 1. Mid-semester examinations will be conducted from September 11 to September 16.
Admit cards will be issued on November 20, and classes will disperse on the same day. Practical examinations will be conducted from November 20 to November 26, followed by end-of-semester examinations from November 27 to December 16. Results will be published on January 10.
Academic Calendar for Semesters 2, 4, 6, and 8:
Admissions and registration for even semesters will be completed between January 4 and January 9, while classes will commence on January 4. Mid-semester examinations are scheduled from March 15 to March 20.
Classes will conclude on April 30, and admit cards will also be issued on the same day. Practical examinations will be conducted from May 1 to May 6, while theory examinations will be held from May 6 to May 24. Results will be declared on June 20.
Flexibility in Exceptional circumstances:
The Governor’s Secretariat has clarified that variations of up to one week in the academic calendar may be permitted in exceptional situations, including holidays, festivals, or other unforeseen circumstances.
Such changes may be approved by the concerned Vice-Chancellor.
The Governor’s Secretariat also issued the internship schedule for fifth-semester students:
As part of the academic framework, internships for fifth-semester students will be conducted from June 1 to June 30, providing practical exposure and skill development opportunities in accordance with the objectives of NEP 2020.
The implementation of a common academic calendar is expected to strengthen academic governance, improve coordination among universities, ensure the timely completion of courses and examinations, and enhance the overall quality of higher education in Bihar.
EOM.
